Modular scaleable floating system

ABSTRACT

The invention provides a modular scaleable floating assembly of interconnected buoyant platform modules anchored in any selected configuration, optionally connected with articulating bridges, to simultaneously serve as: a swimming platform, safety barrier; and floating dock platforms for various water based activities.

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a continuation of International ApplicationNo. PCT/CA02/00030 filed Jan. 11, 2002.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The invention provides a modular scaleable floating assembly ofinterconnected buoyant platform modules anchored in any selectedconfiguration, optionally connected with articulating bridges, tosimultaneously serve as: a swimming platform, safety barrier; andfloating dock platforms for various water based activities.

BACKGROUND OF THE ART

[0003] The shoreline areas of many beaches, resorts or parks includefloating docks to access water sport activities or provide entertainmentplatform areas adjacent the shoreline beach area. Generally, the buoyantfloats are attached together and anchored in the water with leads toconcrete blocks or anchored to the shoreline to provide a floatingplatform area.

[0004] Beach areas are often used for rental and use of watercraft suchas canoes, kayaks and water bicycles. The floats may be used to separateswimming areas from areas where watercrafts are permitted or to restrictthe area within watercraft may be operated.

[0005] Docks for mooring watercraft may also be anchored a distance fromthe shoreline and are used as swimming or diving platforms as well.Floating docks are used for mounting slides, parasols, snack bars,sun-tanning lounges and other water based activities.

[0006] A disadvantage of the prior art systems is that various beachstructures are individually designed and constructed with no long termplan, adequate resistance to salt water and weather conditions, and thevarious components are not coordinated in an esthetically pleasingharmony. Often the docks, swimming float separators, lounge platforms,etc., are individually purchased are not visually or operationallyintegrated with each other. The lack of integration detracts from theappearance of the recreational area with a rather disorganizedcollection, and does not benefit from the cost reduction in maintainingand purchasing interchangeable modular components.

[0007] As well, beach areas are often used for various races, sportingor entertainment activities. There is a desire to witness suchactivities from within the water. However to date no convenient means toaccommodate spectators has been provided apart from conventional docksor associated walk way structures.

[0008] It is an object of the invention to provide a modular system ofcommon components for assembly in floating modular systems, which can beintegrated and reorganized at the will of a designer.

[0009] It is also an object of the invention to provide floating modularunits that can securely mount slides, umbrellas, chairs, kiosks, flags,lights, sound systems, diving boards, ladders, lifeguard stations, andserve as a reliable docking or swimming platform.

[0010] Further objects of the invention will be apparent from review ofthe disclosure and description of the invention below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] In order that the invention may be readily understood, onepreferred embodiment of the invention will be described by way ofexample, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0012]FIG. 1 is an elevation view of a single circular platform modulewith peripheral mooring handles, central socket, and edge socketsadjacent the outer periphery of the platform top surface.

[0013]FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of a circular platform module aconcrete block anchor secured with a rope to the platform underside.

[0014]FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of a circular platform module withparasol mounted to a central socket in the platform top surface.

[0015]FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of a circular platform module withwater slide mounted to edge sockets in the platform top surface.

[0016]FIG. 5 is a plan view of a bridge module for interconnectingcircular float modules together.

[0017]FIG. 6 is a side view of the bridge module of FIG. 5.

[0018]FIG. 7 is a plan view of three circular float modules joined in atriangular array with three interconnecting bridge modules.

[0019]FIG. 8 is a plan view of three circular float modules joined in astraight-line array with two bridge modules.

[0020]FIG. 9 is a plan view of seven circular float modules joined in ahexagonal array.

[0021]FIG. 10 is a plan view of six circular float modules joined in ahexagonal array with open central area to create an enclosed swimmingarea.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022]FIGS. 1 and 2 show details of a like hollow rotary moulded plasticplatform module 1, in the embodiment illustrated having the shape of arelatively flat circular disc. However, it will be apparent that mouldsfor various shapes of platforms can be readily produced withoutdeparting from the teaching of the present invention. The circular floatshape is preferred as opposed to a square for example due to thesuperior buoyancy and reduced tendency to overturn when swimmers climbon to the module from the water. As well, the lack of corners avoidslocalized wear, reduces accidental physical contact with swimmers, andcircular modules can be rolled on land easily rather than being lifted.Fewer anchors are required when circular floats are anchored at theircentre point and they can rotate around the anchor in wind and current.

[0023] The platform module 1 may be produced in six identical circularsegment components with radial joints 2 for ease of manufacture,storage, and transportation. Mooring handles 3 may be used for mooringvarious watercrafts (not shown) with appropriate mooring lines. Themooring handles 3 can also be used for swimming access, mountingladders, or securing a string of buoys to delineate a swimming or watersport area.

[0024] Referring in particular to FIGS. 3 and 4, the platform modules 1include a central socket 4, edge accessory mounting sockets 5 in theupper surface and can perform a variety of accessory mounting functions.Optionally, accessory mounting sockets 4 and 5 can pass straight throughthe module 1 and serve to drain any water that accumulates on the topsurface.

[0025] However, as indicated in FIGS. 3 and 4, a primary function of theaccessory mounting sockets is to mount various accessories such as theslide 6 and a slide ladder 7 shown in FIG. 4 and a parasol 8 in FIG. 3.Other accessories that are not shown in the drawings but may be readilyincorporated into the water entertainment assembly are flags, snack barkiosks, a diving board, an umbrella or parasol, a lifeguard station, atrampoline, a chair or lounge, various illumination means such asbattery or solar powered lights, and sound system components such asaudio speakers, microphones, etc. The platform modules 1 can be used forboat races and include lifeguard stations, announcer modules with soundsystems, external lighting for nighttime use or internal illumination oftranslucent plastic components.

[0026]FIGS. 5 and 6 show views of an interlocking bridge module 9 thatis shaped to join two adjacent circular modules by insertion of pegs 10into the edge sockets 5 of the modules 1. Various patterns of module 1assemblies can be constructed using interlocking bridge modules 9 asshown in FIGS. 7, 8, 9 and 10. The pegs 10 and inherent resilience ofthe plastic components permits adequate flexing to result in anarticulated assembly. As a result, the large assemblies of circular andbridge modules 1 and 9 can withstand the roll of wave action withoutcoming apart or encountering damage. Drain holes 11 serve to withdrawany water that accumulates on the surface of the bridge module 9.

[0027] The modular construction of rotary moulded plastic componentswith hollow plastic walls are easily removed for storage in off-season,and can be rearranged in various designs to introduce variety. Themodules are light and easy to store or transport unlike conventionaldock and swimming barrier structures.

[0028] The modules can also be used to construct beach structures ratherthan floating structures for different events on land. Parasols, chairs,kiosks, slides and the like can be secured to the circular modules in astructure that resists wind damage and can be disassembled quickly forstorage or redeployment. Similar assemblies can be used on ice forwinter activities such as ice fishing or for safe spectator viewingplatforms during snowmobile racing.

[0029] Although the above description and accompanying drawings relateto a specific preferred embodiment as presently contemplated by theinventor, it will be understood that the invention in its broad aspectincludes mechanical and functional equivalents of the elements describedand illustrated.

We claim:
 1. A platform module for a modular scaleable floatableassembly of platform modules interconnected by at least one bridgingmodule, said platform module comprising a unitary buoyant body forming aplurality of spaced integral mounting sockets for individually receivinga mounting member integrally formed by one of the at least one bridgingmodules thereby to connect the platform modules in a selectedconfiguration.
 2. A platform as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mountingsockets are further operable to engage with a mounting member integrallyformed by a platform accessory.
 3. A platform as claimed in claim 1,further including at least one platform accessory.
 4. A platform asclaimed in claim 3, wherein the at least one platform accessory isselected from the group consisting of a slide, a slide ladder, a flag, asnack bar kiosk, a diving board, an umbrella, a lifeguard station, atrampoline, a chair, an illumination means and an audio system whereinsaid platform assembly includes at least one integrally formed mountingmember operable to engage with the mounting sockets.
 5. A platform asclaimed in claim 1, wherein each mounting member is configured forinserting into said mounting sockets.
 6. A platform as claimed in claim1, wherein the body further comprises at least one integrally formedhandle.
 7. A platform as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body iscircular.
 8. A platform as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body furtherdefines at least one central anchoring mount operable to connect to atleast one anchor.
 9. A platform as claimed in claim 1, wherein at leastone mounting socket extends through the body to provide, when theplatform is in use, a channel for at least one of: receiving a mountingmember on one of a top and a bottom of the body; and draining water fromthe top of the body.
 10. A platform as claimed in claim 1, wherein thebody is constructed from molded plastic.
 11. A bridging module for amodular scaleable floatable assembly of platform modules interconnectedby at least one bridging module, said bridging module comprising aunitary buoyant body, said body forming a plurality of integral mountingmembers spaced about the body for individually inserting into one of aplurality of mounting sockets integrally formed by each of the platformmodules thereby to connect the platform modules in a selectedconfiguration.
 12. A modular scaleable floatable assembly comprising: atleast two platforms, each platform comprising a unitary buoyant bodyhaving a plurality of mounting sockets integrally formed therein; and atleast one bridging module for connecting at least two of said platforms,each of said bridging modules comprising a plurality of integrallyformed mounting members operable to engage the mounting sockets of saidplatforms.
 13. An assembly as claimed in claim 12 wherein the platformsand bridging modules are formed for resilient flexion and articulationwhen assembled and in use.
 14. An assembly as claimed in claim 12,wherein at least some of the platforms are of a circular shape andwherein at least one of said bridging modules is shaped for connectingbetween adjacent circular shaped platforms.
 15. An assembly as claimedin claim 12, wherein for each platform, at least some of the mountingsockets are formed for receiving mounting members in a bottom of theplatform when the platform is in use.